أسئلة وأجوبة
I sent the landlord a notice to renew the lease 90 days earlier as per the contract. Can I change my mind if he didn't respond?
I live in Dubai and I have a one-year rental contract with my landlord. According to the agreement, I must tell the landlord at least 90 days before the contract ends whether I want to renew it or leave.
I followed the rule and sent them an email before the 90-day deadline, saying that I want to renew. They replied and said okay, and they asked me to send the new contract so they could sign it.
I prepared the new contract (with the rent price fixed according to RERA rules) and sent it to them about two weeks ago. But since then, they haven’t replied or signed the contract.
I think maybe they are waiting to see if someone else will offer more money to rent the apartment, so they are delaying their response.
Now I am wondering: if they finally send back the signed contract after a long delay—let’s say in one more week—and by that time I’ve changed my mind (for example, I found a better apartment or I’m leaving the country), am I legally required to continue with this landlord?
Your email stating your intention to renew, sent within the 90-day notice period, fulfills your obligation under the existing contract.
Their reply acknowledging your intent to renew and asking for the new contract could be interpreted as an acceptance of your desire to renew, pending the agreement on the terms of the new contract.
There are some complications if you change your mind and decide not to renew. Hence, there is no formal communication between you and the landlord regarding non-renewal; they can argue that they are still with the renewal.
Send another email to the landlord, referencing your previous emails and the new contract you sent. Ask for an update on the status of the signed contract and mention that you need to finalize your housing plans.
Set a reasonable deadline for their response and inform them that if they do not respond, it can be treated as their acceptance for non-renewal.
If you need further clarification or assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Hello!
In the current scenario, as stated, you are not legally bound to continue unless both you and the landlord have signed the renewed contract.
Since they haven't signed it yet, no binding agreement exists for the new term, so you're free to change your mind.
For further clarification or assistance, you can reach out by phone.
Thanks!
Badr Legal Consultants
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your message and for explaining the situation clearly.
Based on the information you've provided, you have fulfilled your legal obligation by informing your landlord of your intention to renew the lease within the 90-day notice period, as required by your tenancy agreement.
You also acted in good faith by preparing and sending a renewal contract in line with RERA rental guidelines.
Regarding Your Concern:
As of now, since no signed contract has been returned by the landlord and no rent has been paid or accepted, the renewal has not been legally finalized. This means:
If you decide to change your mind before the landlord signs or accepts the contract, you are not legally bound to continue with the renewal.
You may choose to withdraw your offer to renew, provided that you send a clear written notice to the landlord stating your decision.
This is especially important if their delay appears to be strategic (e.g., waiting for a higher offer), as it is your right to protect your own interests as well.
My Recommendation:
If you are considering other housing options or leaving the country, and you no longer wish to proceed with the renewal, I can assist you in drafting a formal withdrawal notice to ensure your position is legally protected.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
Kind regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Dear questioner
Even if they are delaying, they cannot change the tenancy contract or evict you.
The same applies to you as well; you cannot withdraw from the contract because of the delay, unless both the tenant and the landlord agree to mutual termination of the tenancy.
If it is not a mutual termination, there are high risks for compensation. Please follow up with the landlord through written emails, and check with him in a call whether he doesn't want to renew the contract with you.
If he confirms, then do all communications with him through email.
If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for your message.
Since you expressed your intent to renew within the required 90-day period and the landlord initially agreed, a binding renewal may already be in effect, even if the final contract hasn't been signed yet.
However, the landlord’s delay in responding could also work in your favor depending on how it's interpreted legally.
Whether you are still obligated to continue will depend on several factors, including the timing, written communications, and any new developments.
To assess your specific position and protect your rights, we recommend booking a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy or authorizing us to act on your behalf if needed.
We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.
To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.
Under Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendment by Law No. 33 of 2008), a tenant must notify the landlord at least 90 days before lease expiry if they wish to amend or terminate the contract (Article 14).
You fulfilled this obligation and the landlord agreed in principle, but since no signed renewal contract exists yet, and assuming Ejari has not been renewed or rent paid, there is no binding tenancy renewal under UAE contract law, which requires mutual consent for enforceability.
If you withdraw your renewal offer before the landlord formally accepts (i.e., signs the contract or takes action), you are not legally obligated to proceed, and the landlord would have limited grounds to dispute this under current RERA and Rental Dispute Settlement Centre practices.
Thank You
